Coating agent device and coating device

ABSTRACT

Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/351,583, filed on Nov. 15, 2016, (U.S. Pat. No. 9,839,933issued Dec. 12, 2017), which is a Continuation Application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/319241, filed on Jan. 23, 2012, (U.S.Pat. No. 9,528,539 issued Dec. 27, 2016), which is a National Stageapplication which claims the benefit of International Application No.PCT/EP2010/002760 filed May 5, 2010, which claims priority based onGerman Application No. DE 10 2009 020 077.0, filed May 6, 2009, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Thisapplication is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/809,000, filed on Nov. 10, 2017.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of coating workpieces, inparticular car body parts.

BACKGROUND

To coat workpieces, coating devices, for example electrostatic rotaryatomizers or colour changers are usually used, to which the coatingagent to be applied is fed, for example by means of a valve, for examplea coating agent valve.

The valves in painting technology are usually constructed with a roundpneumatic piston, it being possible for the pneumatic drive of the valveto take place via a control air space, a piston seal and a spring, whichare situated in a round housing. A cylinder, in which a movable valveneedle is arranged, is usually formed in the round housing. Duringoperation, the valve needles are therefore exposed to the coating agentapplied in each case and have to be cleaned, for example by briefflushing with air. Owing to the arrangement of the valve needles incoating agent cylinders, such cleaning is however difficult for designreasons. The coating agent valves are also screwed into the coatingagent devices on the discharge side, so they have to be unscrewed forcleaning or maintenance purposes, with a great deal of effort. Suchthreaded connections furthermore do not permit a tighter arrangement ofthe coating agent valves in a coating agent device, which reduces systemefficiency. The known coating systems with such coating agent valves andcoating agent devices are therefore high-maintenance and inefficient.

Some known valves are furthermore constructed multiple materials, e.g.,stainless steel and plastic. These pairs of materials are usuallyconnected using screw-fastenings, adhesives, injection mouldingtransversely to the axis of symmetry of the valve needle. These pairs ofmaterials result in abrasion during use, which entails an increasedmaintenance frequency.

Reference is also made to EP 1 157 747 A2 and corresponding U.S. Pat.No. 6,315,168.

Accordingly, there is a need for a more efficient coating system conceptwhich is easier to maintain and clean.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

While the claims are not limited to the specific illustrations describedherein, an appreciation of various aspects is best gained through adiscussion of various examples thereof. Referring now to the drawings,illustrative examples are shown in detail. Although the drawingsrepresent the exemplary illustrations, the drawings are not necessarilyto scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrateand explain an innovative aspect of an illustration. Further, theexemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to beexhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricting to the precise form andconfiguration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail byreferring to the drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 shows a coating agent device, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 2 shows a housing of a coating agent device, according to anexemplary illustration;

FIG. 3 shows a spring ring, according to an exemplary illustration;

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary coating agent device in the installed state;

FIG. 5 shows a coating agent device, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 6 shows a housing of a coating agent device, according to anexemplary illustration;

FIG. 7 shows the exemplary coating agent device of FIG. 5 in aninstalled state;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a plan view of a receiving sleeve, according to anexemplary illustration;

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary coating agent device;

FIG. 10 shows a housing of a coating device, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 11 shows the exemplary coating agent device of FIG. 9 in aninstalled state;

FIG. 12 shows a coating agent device, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 13 shows a housing of a coating device, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 14 shows the exemplary coating agent device of FIG. 12 in aninstalled state;

FIG. 15 shows a coating agent device, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 16 shows a housing of a coating device, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIGS. 17A to 17D illustrate a fastening of a mounting socket, accordingto an exemplary illustration;

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary coating agent device;

FIG. 19A shows an exemplary receiving sleeve;

FIGS. 19B,19C and 19D illustrate a rotation securement, according to anexemplary illustration;

FIG. 20A shows a coating agent device, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 20B shows an exemplary receiving sleeve;

FIGS. 20C to 20E illustrate a rotation securement, according to anexemplary illustration;

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary coating agent device;

FIG. 22 shows a coating agent device, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 23 shows a drive interface, according to an exemplary illustration;

FIG. 24 shows a cross section of a housing, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 25 shows a valve needle with a piston element, according to anexemplary illustration;

FIG. 26 shows a plan view of an arrangement of a plurality of coatingagent devices, according to an exemplary illustration;

FIG. 27 shows a side view of an arrangement of a plurality of coatingagent devices, according to an exemplary illustration;

FIG. 28 shows an exemplary coating agent device;

FIG. 29 shows a front view of the exemplary coating agent device of FIG.28;

FIG. 30 shows the exemplary coating agent device of FIG. 28;

FIGS. 31A to 31D show views of an oval piston element, according to anexemplary illustration;

FIGS. 32A to 32D show views of an oval seal, according to an exemplaryillustration;

FIG. 33 shows a valve needle, according to an exemplary illustration;

FIGS. 34A and 34B show exemplary valve needles;

FIG. 35 shows a valve needle, according to an exemplary illustration;

FIG. 36 shows an exemplary valve needle; and

FIG. 37 shows a valve needle, according to an exemplary illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary illustrations are generally based on the finding that amore efficient coating system concept can be realized in that apluggable or plug-in connection can be used, which can also be rotatingsecured or secured to prevent relative rotation between two components,to couple coating agent devices, for example coating agent valves, tocoating devices such as atomizers or colour changers. For example, acoating agent valve can be connected efficiently to a colour changer bymeans of a bayonet connection and can therefore be replaced quickly andeasily.

The exemplary illustrations are based on the further finding that acoating system concept which is easier to clean can be realized by asuitable geometric shape of the valve needle of a coating agent valve.To this end, the ends of the valve needles in particular can be providedwith an additional portion which tapers at a certain angle, by means ofwhich the space surrounding the valve needle in a cylinder is increased.

The exemplary illustrations are based on the further finding that acoating system concept which is easier to maintain can be realized by amore abrasion-resistant configuration of a valve needle of a coatingagent valve. To this end, a plastic shaft of the valve needle canadditionally be covered with an abrasion-resistant sheath, as a resultof which the damaging abrasion is minimized and the service life of thevalve needle is increased.

The exemplary illustrations are based on the further finding that apacking density of the coating agent devices such as coating valves in acoating device of the above-mentioned type can be increased in that arear-side drive interface and a housing of a coating agent valve are notcircular but for example elongate and have for example form-fittinggeometric shapes, so a plurality of coating agent devices can bearranged closer to each other, for example in a form-fitting manner in acoating agent device such as a colour changer.

According to one aspect of an exemplary illustration, a coating agentdevice may be provided, for example a coating agent valve, forinfluencing a discharge of a coating agent, for example an automotivepaint. The coating agent device may comprise a pluggable mounting socketfor holding the same in for example a coating device such as an atomizeror a colour changer. The coating agent device is thus held by a plug-inconnection in such a manner that it can be replaced quickly.

Coating agent valves are described by way of example below. Theconfigurations below however apply correspondingly to any valves whichcan be used to coat workpieces.

According to one exemplary illustration, the coating agent devicecomprises a movable discharge means, for example a valve needle, todischarge the coating agent in a controllable manner. The pluggablemounting socket can at least partially comprise or surround the movabledischarge means and/or a coating agent cylinder on the discharge side.

According to one exemplary illustration, the coating agent devicecomprises an output for discharging the coating agent, wherein thepluggable mounting socket can be provided to couple the output of thecoating agent device to a coating device, for example to an atomizer ora colour changer. This permits a simple, discharge-side connection ofthe coating agent device to the coating device which is easy tomaintain.

According to one exemplary illustration, the pluggable mounting socketcan for example latch or snap in by means of a latch or snaparrangement, as a result of which the fit of the mounting socket can besecured.

According to one exemplary illustration, the pluggable mounting socketcan be rotating secured. The rotation securement can for example beimplemented after insertion of the pluggable mounting socket in forexample a receiving sleeve of a coating device.

According to one exemplary illustration, the pluggable mounting socketcomprises a bayonet connection, for example a symmetrical orasymmetrical bayonet connection, or a bayonet connection provided with abayonet thread which can be laterally at least partially flattened inthe axial direction. A quick and secure rotation securement can berealized thereby.

According to one example, at least one holding element is provided forrotation securement of the pluggable mounting socket, which holdingelement extends outwards from a wall of the pluggable mounting socket.At least one recess, which can be provided to receive a holding element,can also be formed in the wall for rotation securement. This ensuressecure latching of a bayonet connection.

According to one example, a holding pin is embedded in the pluggablemounting socket, the outwardly guided end of which forms a holdingelement. Furthermore, both ends of the holding pin can be guidedoutwardly in parallel and thus form opposite holding elements.Furthermore, a plurality of holding pins can be embedded in thepluggable mounting socket in for example the same cross-sectional planeor in different cross-sectional planes, in each case at least one end ofthe respective holding pin is guided outwardly and forms a holdingelement. A rotation securement stop can thereby be realized inparticular in a rotating secured connection.

According to one exemplary illustration, the holding element can be aball pin. Furthermore, a wall of the pluggable mounting socket can beprovided with a multiplicity of ball pins, which are arranged in thesame cross-sectional plane of the wall or in different cross-sectionalplanes of the wall and each form a holding element, as a result of whicha rotary angle of the rotating secured connection can be limited.

According to one exemplary illustration, a wall of the pluggablemounting socket is provided with an at least partially circumferentialannular groove or holding ledge for rotation securement. Thereby, afriction-locking rotation securement can be simply realized.

According to one example, a wall of the pluggable mounting socketcomprises a thread for rotation securement, which thread can for examplebe laterally axially flattened, as a result of which the pluggablemounting socket is insertable according to the “key-hole principle” androtating securable. The wall of the pluggable mounting socket can tothis end have wall portions which extend in the axial direction of thepluggable mounting socket and are thread-free or provided with threadflights or thread flanks which are flatter than that of other wallsections of the wall, which are arranged in a rotationally symmetricalor rotationally asymmetrical manner. A simple and secure rotatingsecurement of the pluggable mounting socket can thereby be realized.

According to a further aspect, in one example a coating agent device isprovided for influencing a discharge of a coating agent. An exemplarycoating agent device may comprise a mounting socket for holding thecoating agent device in for example a coating device such as an atomizeror a colour changer. The wall of the mounting socket is, in oneexemplary illustration, provided with a thread, the pitch of which iswithin a pitch range of between 1.5 and 3. This achieves fastening ofthe coating agent device which can be released quickly and is easy tomaintain. The coating agent device can, according to one example, havethe features of the above- and/or below-mentioned coating agent devices.

According to one exemplary illustration, the thread comprises roundedthread flanks and/or rounded thread flights, which can be rounded at arounding inclination angle of for example 28°, 29°, 30°, 31° or 32°.This makes it possible for the thread to engage more quickly.

According to one example, the thread is circumferential and continuous.The wall can however have thread-free portions which extend axially, asa result of which a pluggable connection can also be realized. In thiscase, the thread acts as a quick rotation securement.

According to one exemplary illustration, the coating agent devicecomprises an output for discharging the coating agent, wherein themounting socket is provided to couple the output to a coating device,for example to an atomizer or a colour changer. The mounting socket isthus arranged on the output side.

According to a further aspect, some exemplary illustrations relate to acoating agent device of the above-mentioned type with a drive interfacefor coupling a drive device, in particular a pneumatic valve drive, tothe coating agent device, which can be a coating valve. The driveinterface may have an elongate cross section, as a result of which apacking density of coating agent devices of the same type can beincreased by space-saving arranging the same next to each other.

According to one example, the cross section of the drive interface, i.e.the connection cross section of the same, is completely or at leastpartially oval and is formed for example to arrange a plurality ofcoating agent devices of the same type next to each other in an at leastpartially form-fitting manner. To this end, the drive interface can havefor example form-fitting elements such as convex or concave regions,which can be introduced into each other when coating agent devices ofthe same type are arranged next to each other, as a result of which thepacking density of the coating agent devices can be increased.

According to one exemplary illustration, the drive interface comprisesat least two convex fastening regions, which can be arranged in adiagonally mirrored manner, for mechanically holding the coating agentdevice using for example a screw connection. An axial securement of thecoating agent device, which can for example be pluggable, is realizedthereby.

According to one example, the drive interface comprises at least onecontrol input for receiving a drive signal of the drive device, forexample an air pressure signal, for driving a valve needle of thecoating agent device.

According to one exemplary illustration, a cross section of a housing ofthe coating agent device arranged downstream of the drive interface atleast partially takes up the cross section of the drive interface. Acontour of the housing of the coating agent device thus correspondscompletely or at least partially to a contour of the drive interface, asa result of which an efficient arrangement of a plurality of coatingagent devices of the same type is made possible.

Exemplary coating agent devices can furthermore have the features of theabove- and/or below-mentioned coating agent devices.

According to a further aspect, in one exemplary illustration, a coatingagent device of the above-mentioned type may be provided, which is orcomprises a coating agent valve with a plurality of outwardly guidedvalve needles. The valve needles can for example seal off differentvalve seats of a coating device with which the coating agent device canbe coupled, as result of which a coating efficiency can be increased.

According to one exemplary illustration, at least two valve needles ofthe plurality of valve needles have a different geometric shape, forexample a different length and/or a different thickness, so differentvalve needles can be used for different purposes.

In one example, at least two valve needles of the plurality of valveneedles are operable together or independently of each other, as aresult of which a high degree of operating flexibility can be achieved.

According to one exemplary illustration, a plurality of control inputsare provided for the separate actuation of different valve needles, forexample with air pressure. Furthermore, a control input can be providedfor a plurality of valve needles. This makes simple and efficientactuation of the valve needles possible.

In one example, the valve needles are arranged in parallel, so aplurality of valve seats, arranged opposite and in parallel, can besealed off.

According to one exemplary illustration, a first valve needle of theplurality of the valve needles is provided for brief flushing with aflushing agent, for example with a diluent or solvent. A second valveneedle can be provided for brief flushing with air. Furthermore, a firstvalve needle can be provided for discharging a coating agent, forexample a paint, and second valve needle can be provided for feedingback the coating agent, as a result of which a high degree offlexibility of the coating agent device can be achieved. The same iscorrespondingly possible for a hardener and a corresponding hardenervalve.

The coating agent device can furthermore have features of the above- andbelow-mentioned coating agent devices.

According to a further aspect, some exemplary illustrations relate to acoating agent device of the above-mentioned type, which is or comprisesa valve needle. One end of the valve needle, which may interacts with avalve seat, may comprise a guide portion for introducing the valveneedle into the valve seat, a sealing portion for pressing the valveneedle against the valve seat and a flushing portion for creating aflushing space for flushing the valve needle. The guide portion, sealingportion and flushing portion may taper at different inclination angles,so that the valve needle tip is for example conically flattened threetimes. The additional flushing portion simplifies the flushing of thevalve needle, as a result of which the coating agent device can bemaintained easily.

According to one exemplary illustration, the sections are arranged suchthat they follow each other directly, so the sealing portion is arrangeddownstream of the flushing portion and the guide portion is arrangeddownstream of the sealing portion.

In one example, the inclination angle of the guide portion is 120°±30°,the inclination angle of the sealing portion 30°±12°, and theinclination angle of the flushing portion is 10°±5°, as a result ofwhich simple cleaning of the valve needles can be ensured.

The coating agent device can have the features of the above- andbelow-described coating agent devices.

According to a further aspect, some exemplary illustrations are directedto a coating agent device of the above-mentioned type, which is orcomprises a valve needle. The valve needle comprises a valve needleshaft, which can consist of plastic, and a sheath which at leastpartially covers the valve needle shaft and is formed from a materialwhich is more abrasion-resistant than the material of the valve needleshaft. A more abrasion-resistant configuration of the valve needle isadvantageously realized thereby, as a result of which the service lifethereof is increased. The pairing of seal seat and needle material, i.e.soft plastic tip with seal seat consisting of VA or polyoxymethylene(POM) is always important. The problem with the use of a VA needle tipis working in (wear) in the plastic seat. According to one example, thesheath is formed from ceramic or a ceramic composite or metal.

Exemplary coating devices can furthermore have the features of theabove- and/or below-described coating agent devices.

According to a further aspect, some exemplary illustrations are directedto a coating device, for example an atomizer, in particular anelectrostatic atomizer, or a colour changer or functional valves (e.g.flushing valves, in particular brief flushing valves), which has areceiving sleeve provided for receiving a mounting socket of the coatingagent device which is formed as described above. The mounting socket ofthe coating agent device can for example be pluggable into the receivingsleeve in order to realize a plug-in connection.

According to one exemplary illustration, the receiving sleeve forreceiving a mounting socket is provided with a bayonet connection. Tothis end, the receiving sleeve can for example have a resilient element,for example a spring ring, which is provided for receiving the bayonetconnection in a rotation secured manner.

According to one example, a groove, for example a helical groove, isformed in a wall for receiving a holding element of a coating agentdevice of the above-mentioned type in a rotation secured manner.Furthermore, a plurality of grooves, in particular a plurality ofhelical grooves, can be provided for receiving elements arranged indifferent cross-sectional planes of the wall of a mounting socket of acoating agent device of the above-mentioned type.

According to one example, the sleeve is provided for receiving amounting socket of a coating agent device, the wall of which is providedwith an at least partially circumferential annular groove or holdingledge for rotation securement. The wall of the receiving sleeve may beprovided with a holding ledge for receiving the annular groove or withan at least partially circumferential annular groove for the holdingledge, as a result of which an efficient rotation securement can berealized.

According to one exemplary illustration, a wall of the receiving sleevecomprises a thread for rotating securement of a mounting socket of acoating agent device of the above-mentioned type against rotating. Inone example, wall portions of the wall which are thread-free or providedwith thread flights and/or thread flanks which are flatter than that ofother wall portions extend in the axial direction of the wall, which canbe arranged in a rotationally symmetrical or rotationally asymmetricalmanner. This means that mounting sockets can be fastened using the“key-hole principle”.

In one example, the wall of the receiving sleeve is provided with athread for receiving a mounting socket, the pitch of which is between 1and 3, as a result of which an efficient fastening of the mountingsocket can be realized.

According to a further aspect, some exemplary illustrations relate to ause of the coating agent device and/or the coating device of theabove-mentioned type for coating car bodies.

FIG. 1 shows a coating agent device, which can be a valve and isprovided for influencing a discharge of a coating agent. The coatingagent device may comprise a pluggable mounting socket 101 for pluggableholding the coating agent device. The pluggable mounting socket 101 isfor example connected to a housing 103 of the coating agent device.

The pluggable mounting socket may be provided with a helical groove 105,which has an optional fixing groove 107 for receiving a fixing nose. Thecoating agent device further comprises a valve needle 109 on the outputside, which is at least partially surrounded by the pluggable mountingsocket 101, wherein one end of the mounting socket 101 can be providedwith a groove 111 for a sealing ring.

FIG. 2 shows a housing of a corresponding coating agent device, which isprovided with a receiving sleeve 201 for receiving the pluggablemounting socket 101 of the coating device of FIG. 1. A groove 203, whichcan have a spring ring 205 is therefore formed in the receiving sleeve201. The spring ring 205 is provided for receiving the helical groove105 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a spring ring which is an elastic element and is forexample bent in an at least partially circular manner and can correspondto the spring ring 205. The spring ring comprises at least one or twomissing fixing noses 301 on its inner side, which engage in the fixinggroove 107 of FIG. 1, and a rotation securement with an assembly andmounting peg 303, respectively.

FIG. 4 shows a connection of the coating agent device of FIG. 1 to thecoating device of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the resilient fixing noses301 of the spring ring 205 engage in the fixing grooves 107.

The coating agent device shown in FIG. 1 can have, for example, one ortwo helical grooves 107. The spring ring 205 with the mounting peg 303and the integrated fixing noses 301 is inserted in the groove 203 in thereceiving sleeve of FIG. 2, the mounting pegs 303 engaging in thehelical groove during installation. The pluggable mounting socket 101 isintroduced into the sleeve 201 and rotated for example 65° for thepurpose of rotation securement. To remove the coating agent device, itis rotated back and withdrawn. As a result, it is possible to use directfastening elements. Furthermore, large bearing surfaces can be realizedbetween the spring ring 205 and the housing. The spring ring 205 canfurther be replaced simply. Furthermore, a contour of the housing of thecoating device shown in FIG. 2 is simple.

FIG. 5 shows a coating agent device, for example a coating agent valve,with a housing 501 and a pluggable mounting socket 503. Two holding pins505 and 507 are embedded in the pluggable mounting socket 503, forexample in a valve socket, transversely in a cross-sectional plane ofthe mounting socket. The holding pins 505 and 507 have outwardly guidedends 509, by means of which holding elements are formed. The coatingagent device further comprises a valve needle 511, which is arranged onthe discharge side. A control input 513 for actuating the valve needle511 with for example compressed air is provided on the input side.

FIG. 6 shows a housing of a coating agent device, for example of an airatomizer or of a colour changer, with a receiving sleeve 601 forreceiving the pluggable mounting socket 503 of FIG. 5. The receivingsleeve 601 comprises axial recesses 603 in which the holding elements509 can be guided. Furthermore, a for example circumferential recess 605is provided for rotation securement.

FIG. 7 shows the coating agent device of FIG. 5 in the installed state.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a plan view onto the receiving sleeve 601 with theaxial recesses 603, which can for example be formed by axial grooves. Aspring ring 801 with angled arms provided with holding beads 803 is alsoarranged in the receiving sleeve. The holding beads 803 latch into theaxial recess 603 for rotation securement, as shown in FIG. 8B. Toinstall the coating agent device of FIG. 5, the mounting socket 503thereof is inserted into the receiving sleeve 601 and for examplerotated 90° until the rotation securement latches. It automaticallyunlatches when the coating agent device is rotated back, so that thecoating agent device can be pulled out again after a 90° turn. A furtheradvantage of this is the possibility of a visual check of the valveposition by the latching of the rotation securement.

FIG. 9 shows a coating agent device with a housing 901 and a pluggablemounting socket 903, in which two holding pins 905 and 907, which arefor example configured as standard pins, are arranged in differentcross-sectional planes. The coating agent device further comprises avalve needle 909 on the discharge side.

The holding pins 905 and 907 may have end portions which are outwardlyguided as holding elements.

FIG. 10 shows a housing of a coating agent device with a receivingsleeve 1001 in which four axial recesses 1003, for example axialgrooves, are arranged. Furthermore, two circumferential grooves 1005 and1007 are milled in with for example a radial stop at an angle ofapproximately 270°.

FIG. 11 shows the coating agent device of FIG. 9 in the installed state.To do this, the pluggable mounting socket 903 is introduced into thesleeve 1001 and for example rotated 90° until the stop, as a result ofwhich the rotation securement latches. To remove the coating agentdevice, the rotation securement unlatches when the coating agent deviceis rotated back through 90°, so that the coating agent device can bepulled out. A further advantage of this is in particular that therotation securement stop is defined and that a visual check of the valveposition can be realized by the latching of the rotation securement.

FIG. 12 shows a coating agent device, for example a coating agent valve,with a housing 1201 and a pluggable mounting socket 1203, the wall ofwhich is provided with for example three ball pins 1205, which can bestandardized, transversely in a cross-sectional plane. The ball pins1205 can be at least partially embedded in the mounting socket 1203, sothat the projecting portions thereof can form holding elements forrotation securement.

FIG. 13 shows a housing of a coating device with a receiving sleeve 1301for receiving the mounting socket 1203 of FIG. 1. The receiving sleeve1301 may be provided with a plurality of, for example three, helicalgrooves 1305, the pitch of which can be respectively 10% and the lift ofwhich can be 1 mm. The helical grooves 1305 are for example milled. Theball pins 205 can also be configured as pins. They can further be milleddirectly out of the valve housing as pegs. The helical grooves 305 havethe advantage that they allow high fastening force with a simple housingcontour, which provides a secure connection.

FIG. 14 shows the coating agent device of FIG. 12 in the installedstate. To do this, the mounting socket 1203 thereof may be inserted intothe receiving sleeve 1301 and for example rotated 60° until the stop.The rotation securement is effected in this case by a tension of aneedle seal in the friction lock. To remove the coating agent device, itis rotated back and pulled out.

FIG. 15 shows a coating agent device, for example a valve, with a valvehousing 1501 and a pluggable mounting socket 1503 with a peg segment1505 which can be milled with a tensioning pitch of 1.5 mm and 20° byfor example 180°.

FIG. 16 shows a housing of a coating agent device with a receivingsleeve 1601 for receiving the mounting socket 1503 of FIG. 15. Thereceiving sleeve 1601 is provided with a holding ledge 1603, which forexample extends 160°.

FIGS. 17A to 17D show the fastening of the mounting socket 1503 shown inFIG. 15 in the receiving sleeve 1601. FIG. 17A shows the mounting socket1503 in the inserted but not yet rotated state. FIGS. 17B to 17D showthe fastening in the rotation secured state.

FIG. 18 shows a coating agent device, for example a valve, with a valvehousing 1801 and a pluggable mounting socket 1803, which is partiallysurrounded with a thread 1804 which has axially flattened portions 1805.The flattened portions 1805 can be symmetrical milled voids, whereby themounting socket is introduced according to the “key-hole” principle intoa receiving sleeve and can be rotated in it for the purpose of rotationsecurement. The mounting socket 1803 is further provided with anoptional positioning pin 1806 for positioning the introduction thereofin a receiving sleeve.

FIG. 19A shows a housing of a coating device with a receiving sleeve1901 for receiving the mounting socket 1803. The receiving sleeve 1901may be, for example, elongate and may comprise lateral threaded segments1903 for receiving the threaded portions of the mounting socket. Thereceiving sleeve is further optionally provided with a leakage bore1905. The receiving sleeve 1901 shown in FIG. 19A has symmetricallyarranged threaded recesses for receiving the thread 1804. These canhowever also be arranged asymmetrically.

FIGS. 19B,19C and 19D show a rotation securement of the mounting socket1803 in the receiving sleeve 1901. FIGS. 19C and 19D show the rotationsecured state.

The thread 1804 of the mounting socket can be a M14×1.5 thread, which ismilled on two sides, for example symmetrically or asymmetrically.Corresponding to this, the receiving sleeve 1901 is recessed on twosides. The radial pin 1806 can act for example for unambiguouspositioning, wherein on the end face a sealing ring can be provided in agroove 1807 for sealing the leakage. For installation, the mountingsocket 1803 is inserted into the receiving sleeve and for examplerotated 90° to 110°. The rotation securement is realized by frictionallocking tension of a needle seal. To remove the coating agent device, itis rotated back and pulled out.

FIG. 20A shows a coating agent device, for example a valve, with ahousing 2001 and a pluggable mounting socket 2003, which hasasymmetrically arranged, axially extending threaded portions 2005, whichare separated by asymmetrical, axial milled voids 2007. The mountingsocket 2003 further comprises a leakage bore 2009 and a groove 2011 fora sealing ring. A valve needle which can be arranged in a cylinder ofthe mounting socket 2103 is not shown.

FIG. 20B shows a contour of a housing of a corresponding coating device,for example of an atomizer or of a colour changer, with anasymmetrically formed receiving sleeve 2002, which has asymmetricallyarranged threaded segments 2004.

FIGS. 20C to 20E show the coating agent device of FIG. 20A in theinstalled state. FIG. 20C shows an inserted state and FIGS. 20D to 20Eillustrate the rotation securement.

The thread 2005 can for example be milled asymmetrically for 30° on twosides, wherein accordingly in the receiving sleeve 2002 the same threadcan be provided and thereafter be recessed on two sides. The unambiguouspositioning of the mounting socket 2003 in the receiving sleeve 2002 canbe realized by means of the asymmetrical surfaces using the “key-hole”principle. The rotation securement may be realized by frictional tensionof a needle seal. To install the coating agent device, it is rotated forexample approximately 75° and thereby rotation secured. To remove thecoating agent device, it is rotated back and pulled out. The advantageof this is in particular that the positioning can be made visible bymeans of a wedge shape and that no positioning pin is necessary.

FIG. 21 shows a section of a mounting socket 2101 of a coating agentdevice 2103. The mounting socket 2101 is provided with a special thread2105, the pitch of which can be 1.5 to 3. An inclination angle of thethread is for example 30°, as shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 21 further shows asection of a receiving sleeve 2107 which forms a valve housing. Thereceiving sleeve comprises a wall which is provided with a correspondingthread 2109. As shown further in FIG. 21, an inclination angle of thethread 2105, 2109 can for example be 30°. Further, the thread flightsand/or thread flanks are rounded, as a result of which an increasedresistance to high stresses is achieved. The threads 2105, 2109 canfurther have a diameter of for example 10, 11, 12 or 14 mm. The threads2105 or 2109 can be special threads, for example M11×3 thread with arounded thread root and rounded thread crests.

The coating agent devices shown in FIGS. 1 to 21 can for example beself-locking and/or rotation secured by means of a form fit orfrictional connection. The features of the above coating agent devicescan further be combined with each other individually or in groups, as aresult of which further advantageous examples can be realized.

FIG. 22 shows a coating agent device, for example a coating agent valve,with a drive interface 2201, a housing 2203 arranged downstream of thelatter and a valve needle 2205. The drive interface 2201 may have asubstantially oval cross section, wherein outwardly curved connectionregions 2207 being provided, which are each provided with a bore 2209for receiving screws. The drive interface 2201 may further comprise acontrol input 2211, via which compressed air can be fed for driving thevalve needle 2205 of the coating agent device.

FIG. 23 shows a plan view of the drive interface 2201. FIG. 24 shows across section of the housing 2203 of the coating agent device of FIG.22. The cross section may be substantially oval or elliptical and mayassume the shape of the cross section of the drive interface 2201.

FIG. 25 shows the valve needle 2205 of FIG. 22, which is arranged in thehousing 2203. The valve needle 2205 is arranged in a piston element2501, to which compressed air can be applied, as a result of which thevalve needle 2205 can be driven. The piston element 2501 laterallycomprises a circumferential seal 2503, the cross section of which isoval like the cross section of the piston element 2501 and assumes theshape of the cross section of the housing 2203. The valve needle 2205 isarranged together with the piston element in a cylinder of the housing2203.

FIG. 26 shows a plan view of an arrangement of a plurality of coatingagent devices, as shown in FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 26, the elongateconfiguration of the valve interface 2201, which can be at leastpartially form-fitting as shown in FIG. 26, allows a close arrangementof the coating agent devices next to each other. This increases thepacking density of the coating agent devices in a coating device of theabove-mentioned type.

FIG. 27 shows a lateral plan view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 26 ofthe coating agent elements of FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 27, the coatingagent devices, which can be for example valves, can advantageously bearranged closely next to each other owing to the elongate shape of thecross sections of the drive interface 2201 and of the housing 2203.

Thanks to the oval configuration of the valve drive, the latter can havea compact shape, wherein a number of the valves arrangeable next to eachother, which can open into one duct, can be increased. Furthermore, anincreased switching force can be expected compared to a round piston dueto the use of the oval piston or piston portion.

FIG. 28 shows a coating agent device, for example a coating agent valve,with a housing 2801 and a plurality of valve needles 2803 and 2805. Thecoating agent device may comprise a drive interface 2807, which can haveone or a plurality of control inputs 2809 for driving the valve needles2803. These may be parallel towards the outside and can be operatedseparately from each other, so that the valve needles 2803 can forexample be used for brief flushing with air and the valve needles 2805can be used for brief flushing with a solvent. Furthermore, the valveneedle 2803 can be provided for discharging the coating agent and thevalve needle 2805 can be provided for feeding back the same. The driveinterface 2807 can for example be oval as in FIG. 26 or circular orangular.

FIG. 29 shows a front view of the coating agent device of FIG. 28. Asshown in FIG. 29, each valve needle 2803, 2805 is guided in a respectivecylinder or duct 2901 or 2903 associated to the respective needle.

FIG. 30 shows the coating agent device of FIG. 28, which is connected toa coating device 3001, for example an atomizer or a colour changer. Thecoating device 3001 comprises two valve seats 3003 and 3005, which areeach provided for the respective valve needle 2803 and/or 2805. Eachneedle 2803 or 2805 can be moved in a cylinder or duct 3007 or 3009associated to it, wherein auxiliary ducts 3011 and 3013 are providedperpendicularly thereto. The auxiliary ducts 3011 and 3013 can forexample be provided for flushing the valve needles 2803 and/or 2805 orfor feeding back the respective coating agent. The coating agents areguided via the ducts 3007 and 3009, covering the respective needle 2803and/or 2805.

In the double valve described above, at least two independent functionscan be realized, which are possible in a smaller space. Such doublevalves can for example be realized as functional valves, colour changersor atomizers in all possible combination variants with for exampleneedles of different lengths, as a single valve block with two functionsor as a multiple valve block with multiple functions. Such valves can bearranged on one side or opposite or in a circle, for example, whereinthe actuation can be realized directly via a hose connection orindirectly via a feed line bore. The valves can further be arranged inseries analogously to pneumatic valves.

The housing 2801 and the drive interface 2807 can be circular or oval.Furthermore, the valve needles 2805 and 2803 can be provided with ovalpiston elements 2501, which are each sealed with seals 2503.

FIGS. 31A to 31D show views of an oval piston element of theabove-mentioned type. FIGS. 32A to 32D show views of oval seals, whichcan for example interact with the oval piston element.

FIG. 33 shows a valve needle with a valve needle head 3301 and a valveneedle shaft 3303, which can consist of plastic. The valve needle shaft3303 may be covered with a sheath 3305, which can be formed from acomposite material or from a ceramic material, so that the sheath 3305is more abrasion-resistant than the valve needle shaft 3303. The sheath3305 can further be formed from metal or DLC (diamond-like carbon).

An end of the valve needle facing away from the valve needle head 3301can for example be multiply flattened or include a series of flatsurfaces, and for example may have a flushing portion 3307, a sealingportion 3309 and a guide portion 3311. The flushing portion 3307 is usedto improve flushing of the valve needle, for example brief flushing ofthe same. The flushing portion 3307 tapers for example at an inclinationangle of 10° or, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the valveneedle, at an angle of 5°, merely as examples. A sealing portion 3309,which may interact with a valve seat during operation of the valveneedle and provides sealing, may be arranged immediately downstream ofthe flushing portion 3307. The sealing portion tapers, merely asexamples, at an inclination angle of 30% or, with respect to alongitudinal axis of the valve needle, at an angle of 15%. The guideportion 3311, which is used to introduce the valve needle tip into thevalve seat, may be arranged downstream of the sealing portion 3309. Theguide portion 3311 may be shorter than the other two portions 3307 and3309 and may taper at an inclination angle of 120° and/or, with respectto the above-mentioned longitudinal axis, at an angle of 60°, asexamples. The sheath 3305 and the portions 3307 to 3311 are eachoptional.

FIG. 34A shows a first valve needle 3401 of a coating agent device,which is arranged in a cylinder and/or duct 3403 of a coating device.The cylinder 3403 comprises a valve seat 3405, which is sealed off bymeans of a sealing portion 3407 of the valve needle 3401. The sealingportion 3407 corresponds for example to the sealing portion 3307. Thevalve needle 3401 further comprises a guide portion 3409, which cancorrespond to the guide portion 3311, and a flushing portion 3411, whichcan correspond to the flushing portion 3307. As shown in FIG. 34A, anintermediate flushing space can be enlarged by the tapering of theflushing portion 3411.

The coating agent device can further have a second needle 3413, which isarranged in a duct 3415 perpendicular to the valve needle 3401. Thesecond valve needle can likewise have a flushing portion 3417, a sealingportion 3419 and a guide portion 3421, wherein the portions 3417, 3419and 3421 can have the features of the portions 3307, 3309 and 3311. Thesecond valve needle 3413 can for example be operated to flush the firstvalve needle 3401. The coating agent device further comprises anauxiliary duct 3425, which opens in the coating agent duct 3403.

FIG. 34B illustrates the inclination angles of the guide portion 3409,the sealing portion 3407 and the flushing portion 3411 of the firstvalve needle 3401 when displaced out of the valve seat. As shown in FIG.34B, the valve seat comprises a sealing portion 3425 corresponding tothe sealing portion 3407.

FIG. 34B further shows the second valve needle 3413 when displaced outof the valve seat. The valve seat can for example have a sealing portion3427, which is for example inclined at an inclination angle of 90°. Thisvalve seat can also have a further tapered portion 3429, which tapers atan angle of for example 90° and is provided to enlarge an intermediatespace between the valve seat and the flushing portion 3417 of the secondvalve needle 3413.

FIG. 35 shows a multiply inclined coating agent valve 3501 which, whenin a closed state, sits in a valve seat 3503 of a coating agent device3505, for example of an atomizer or of a colour changer. The valveneedle 3501 comprises a guide portion 3507, a sealing portion 3509 and aflushing portion 3511, which can have the features of the portions shownin FIG. 33. As shown in FIG. 35, in some exemplary illustrations onlythe sealing portion 3509 interacts in a sealing manner with the valveseat 3503, wherein neither the guide portion 3507 nor the flushingportion 3511 is in contact with it. The valve needle 3501 is arranged ina cylinder and/or duct 3513, wherein a larger intermediate space isprovided to flush the needle 3501 due to the provision of the inclinedflushing portion 3511. To this end, the coating agent device 3505 canhave an auxiliary duct 3515.

FIG. 36 shows the valve needle of FIG. 35 in an open state. The sealingportion 3509 can taper with respect to the longitudinal axis 3601 at asealing angle 3603, which can be for example 15°. The valve seat 3503may comprise a sealing portion 3605, which likewise tapers at the samesealing angle 3603.

FIG. 37 shows a valve needle tip with a guide portion 3701, a sealingportion 3703 and a flushing portion 3705. The guide portion 3701 maytaper with respect to a longitudinal axis 3707 at a guide angle 3709,which can be 60°, for example. The sealing portion 3703 tapers withrespect to the longitudinal axis 3707 at a sealing angle 3711, which canbe 15°, in one example. The flushing portion 3705 tapers with respect tothe longitudinal axis 3707 at a flushing angle 3713, which can be 5°,merely as an example.

The valve needle tip can for example be formed from plastic and caninteract with a hard valve seat, which is for example formed fromstainless steel. The seal in the valve seat can for example be effectedwithout seating, wherein a secure seal concerning the technical processcan be realized in particular in the case of a needle seat in atransition between a soft material and a hard material. The join facemay in some exemplary illustrations be considerably enlarged, as aresult of which the risk of breakage can be reduced. Finally, awear-resistant surface of the valve needle can be realized in the regionof the seal of the needle towards the valve drive.

The valve seat in the housing of the corresponding coating agent devicemay be, for example, configured by two angle steps, in contrast to thetriple-angled tip of the valve needle. The sealing portions may have thesame angle on both sides.

The above-described coating agent devices can be valves which can beused as needle and/or seat valves, as functional valves, colour changervalves, atomizer valves or main needle valves in painting technology.The coating devices can be any devices used in painting technology, forexample atomizers or colour changers, which can interact with suchcoating agent devices.

The exemplary illustrations are not limited to the previously describedexamples. Rather, a plurality of variants and modifications arepossible, which also make use of the ideas of the exemplaryillustrations and therefore fall within the protective scope.Furthermore the exemplary illustrations also include other usefulfeatures, e.g., as described in the subject-matter of the dependentclaims independently of the features of the other claims.

Reference in the specification to “one example,” “an example,” “oneembodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example isincluded in at least one example. The phrase “in one example” in variousplaces in the specification does not necessarily refer to the sameexample each time it appears.

With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc.described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps ofsuch processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to acertain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with thedescribed steps performed in an order other than the order describedherein. It further should be understood that certain steps could beperformed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or thatcertain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, thedescriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose ofillustrating certain embodiments, and should in no way be construed soas to limit the claimed invention.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description isintended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments andapplications other than the examples provided would be evident uponreading the above description. The scope of the invention should bedetermined, not with reference to the above description, but shouldinstead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isanticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the artsdiscussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will beincorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should beunderstood that the invention is capable of modification and variationand is limited only by the following claims.

All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadestreasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood bythose skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contraryis made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,”“the,” “the,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicatedelements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A coating agent valve device forinfluencing a discharge of a coating agent, comprising: a coating devicethat is at least one of an atomizer and a color changer, the coatingdevice having a plurality of ducts and valve seats, the valve seatswithin the ducts, the coating device having an auxiliary duct in fluidcommunication with one of the ducts of the plurality of ducts; a housingconnected to a plurality of outwardly guided valve needles, the valveneedles disposed within the ducts and arranged to be received in thevalve seats of the coating device; a drive device having an elongatedcross section; and a drive interface attached to the housing and coupledto the drive device.
 2. The coating agent valve device of claim 1,wherein the drive interface includes at least one control input forreceiving a drive signal of the drive device for driving one of thevalve needles.
 3. The coating agent valve device of claim 2, wherein thedrive interface includes a plurality of control inputs for receiving aplurality of respective drive signals of the drive device forrespectively driving the plurality of valve needles.
 4. The coatingagent valve device of claim 1, wherein the drive interface has an ovalcross-sectional shape in a first plane that is normal to an elongationdirection of the valve needles.
 5. The coating agent valve device ofclaim 4, wherein a cross section of the housing in a second plane thatis normal to the elongation direction of the valve needles at leastpartially overlaps the cross section of the drive interface in the firstplane that is normal to the elongation direction of the valve needles.6. The coating agent valve device of claim 1, wherein a cross section ofthe drive interface in a plane that is normal to an elongation directionof the valve needles is at least partially oval and is formed to arrangea plurality of second housings of the same type as the housing next toeach other in an at least partially form-fitting manner.
 7. The coatingagent valve device of claim 1, wherein the drive interface has at leasttwo convex fastening regions arranged in a diagonally mirrored manner.8. The coating agent valve device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary ductis elongated perpendicular to the one of the ducts of the plurality ofducts.
 9. The coating agent valve device of claim 1, wherein the coatingdevice has a second auxiliary duct in fluid communication with, andelongated perpendicular to, another of the ducts of the plurality ofducts.
 10. The coating agent valve device of claim 1, wherein the one ofthe ducts of the plurality of ducts extends from an open end to one ofthe valve seats, the auxiliary duct between the open end and the one ofthe valve seats.